Pakistan, Aug. 18 -- Pakistan captain and star batter Babar Azam will miss the opening Test against England after suffering a finger injury during a practice match, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed Tuesday. The first Test of the three-match series will begin Wednesday in Leeds, with Salman Ali Agha set to lead Pakistan in Babar's absence. The development comes as Pakistan prepares for a challenging away series.

Babar suffered the injury during Pakistan's three-day practice match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham last week. The incident occurred on the final delivery of the 39th over when pacer Manny Lumsden delivered a sharp ball that struck Babar on the finger. The batter immediately showed signs of pain bef...